(From Fujifilm Press Release) FUJIFILM North America Corporation is proud to introduce its second compact system camera of this year - the FUJIFILM X-E1 - a premium interchangeable lens camera system that truly exemplifies the high quality and extraordinary image resolution that the X-Series is known for among professional photographers.

The FUJIFILM X-E1 follows in the tradition of the award-winning FUJIFILM X-Pro1 and utilizes the same proprietary 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensorTM and the same X-Mount for use with FUJINON XF lenses, all in a body that is 30% smaller than the FUJIFILM X-Pro1.

With its compact, travel-friendly size, the X-E1 promises to be an exciting addition to the FUJIFILM X-Series. It will be available in two classic designs: a two-tone black and silver, and a solid black. Both versions of the X-E1 will also ship as kits with the XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-4 lens in November 2012.

“It’s an exciting day for Fujifilm as we launch our second premium interchangeable lens digital camera this year, the FUJIFILM X-E1, and two extraordinary new XF lenses” said Go Miyazaki, president and chief operating officer, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “The X-Series has thrilled photographers around the world with its exceptional image quality and stunning design, and the new X-E1 promises to continue that tradition with a slightly smaller body and all of the attention to detail that is the hallmark of FUJIFILM X-Series digital cameras.”

Exceptional color rendition and image resolutionFujifilm’s advanced X-Trans CMOS sensor is capable of delivering resolution that is superior to other APS-C sensors, and equal to even some full frame sensors found in popular DSLR cameras.

The FUJIFILM X-E1’s unique color filter array can effectively minimize moiré and false color without the need for an optical low pass filter. This makes it possible for the camera to maximize its extremely high resolution, and to capture each photograph with accuracy and clarity across the whole image.

FUJIFILM original “X-Mount” maximizes lens performanceSpecifically designed to take advantage of the camera’s mirrorless design, the X-Mount has a short flange back distance of just 17.7mm made possible by designing the mount ring as thin as 2.5mm. This means the rear lens elements are as close as possible to the sensor, reducing the back focus distance of each lens to the minimum possible, thus achieving high resolution from edge to edge. And when fitted with a FUJIFILM M Mount Adapter, the X-E1 can use a wide variety of M lenses to broaden the scope of your photography.

2.36 million dot "Organic LED (OLED) electronic viewfinder"The FUJIFILM X-E1 camera comes equipped with a high definition, high luminance OLED electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 million dots that is one of the highest resolutions available on an EVF-equipped digital camera today(1). The natural, bright viewfinder offers a horizontal field of view of 25-degrees, allowing users to scan the entire scene quickly and easily.

Premium quality design and portabilityMade in Japan, the X-E1 exudes precision, elegance and premium quality that can be seen from each of its components. The top and front covers are made from die-cast magnesium for a solid, yet functional design. At roughly the same size as the FUJIFILM X100, the X-E1 is refreshingly compact and lightweight (12.35oz(2)). Featuring a rubber grip for additional stability, and with the X-Mount positioned centrally on the camera, the X-E1 is perfectly-balanced.

Expanding the FUJINON XF lens lineup: New XF14mm (21mm) F2.8 single focal length lens and XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-4 lensThe FUJIFILM X-E1 pairs perfectly with the XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-4 lens to deliver super-fast focusing speeds that will capture even the fastest action. The highly responsive linear motor in the XF18-55mm lens combines with the high-speed signal readout of the X-Trans CMOS sensor and the EXR Processor Pro, to achieve a huge leap in AF speed and precision performance. Contrast Detection in the X-E1 brings your subject into sharp focus in as little as 0.1 seconds.

A true masterpiece of optical technology, the high quality all-glass lens structure consists of 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and 1 extra low dispersion element, as well as a seven-blade rounded diaphragm. This zoom lens covers a broad range of frequently-used focal lengths from 18mm in wide angle to 55mm mid telephoto(3) to capture everything from landscapes to street photography.

At F2.8-4 wide open, this fast lens is perfect for low-light photography or scenes beckoning a beautiful bokeh effect. Advanced optical and mechanical designs are optimized to keep the lens compact, while maintaining a physical aperture ring so that users can make fluid adjustments. The lens also features OIS to provide image stabilization equivalent to 4 stops, controlling the effect of camera shake and allowing users to seize perfect photo opportunities.

The new FUJINON XF14mm (21mm) F2.8 single focal length lens offers a stunning, ultra wide angle that delivers exceptional resolution from edge to edge. The new lens consists of 10 elements in 7 groups, including 2 aspheric and 3 extra low dispersion elements, and a seven-blade rounded diaphragm.

With its distance and depth of field scales on the barrel, the FUJINON XF14mm (21mm) F2.8 lens is ideally suited for a range of shooting techniques. And with its bright, F2.8 aperture, the lens performs beautifully in low-light shooting.

Diverse shooting modesThe X-E1 offers Fujifilm’s creative “Film Simulation Modes” to simulate the distinctive color palates of conventional photo film. Film Simulation Modes include “Velvia," "ASTIA," and "PROVIA," as well as two additional settings based on professional color negative films, PRO Neg.Std and PRO Neg.Hi.

In addition, advanced digital processing in the X-E1 enables multiple exposures, giving photographers the ability to take two shots while visually checking the finished image, either in the viewfinder or LCD screen.

Full HD Movie recordingThe X-E1 supports shooting Full HD movies (1920x1080) at 24fps. In addition, you can now use Monochrome or Film Simulation modes when video recording and even take advantage of the X-E1’s large sensor and bright XF lenses to capture movies with beautiful bokeh effect. Connect a stereo microphone (3rd party sold separately) to the external microphone input and record audio with enhanced clarity.

FUJINON XF Lenses (3 available and 2 announced today, 10 total by end of 2013)

M Mount Adapter

Ergonomically designed hand grip

Three dedicated flash models to choose from depending on requirements (EF20, EF40, EFX20)

Protector filters (39mm, 52mm, 58mm)

Remote release cable (RR-80)

Pricing and AvailabilityThe FUJIFILM X-E1 (body only) will be available in November 2012 for $999.95.

The FUJIFILM X-E1 and XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-4 lens (kit) will be available in November for $1,399.95. The FUJINON XF14mm (21mm) F2.8 single focal length lens and XF18mm-55mm (27-84mm) F2.8-4 lens will be available in November for $899.95 and $699.95, respectively.

(1) FUJIFILM Research; August 2012(2) Including the battery and memory card, excluding the lens(3) Equivalent 35mm format: 27mm to 84mm(4) With the XF18mmF2 R, XF35mmF1.4 R or XF60mmF2.4 R attached

See the Fuji X-E1 Hands-on Preview on imaging-resource.com. Or post your own review below!

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $400.00| Rating: 10

Pros:

Well built, great quality

Cons:

none really

The only camera I know that has a depth of field scale in the finder for zoom lenses

joe88

Registered: January 2014Posts: 37

Fujifilm X-E1 review by joe88

Review Date: 1/3/2015

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $350.00| Rating: 10

Pros:

what a system cam!!! very high sharpness, very natural colors

Cons:

really nothing

If you could become a friend of the - for my taste a few - small viewfinder, you'll get phantastic shootings for you travels through the world. Very quiet shutter.

viewfinder indications perfect,too.

with adapters so many good lenses usuable. When using strange lenses with an adapter, x-e1 shows in viewfinder just the brightness of picture, which you find later memorized on sd-card. this is an enormous advantage for daylight shootings, because single lens reflex with oiptical viewfinder cannot this. This feature allows very exact equilibrated pictures.

this APS-C sensor chip system cam hasn't disappointed me, until now.
I think, for professional shooting as well dued to beginners.

very highly recommended - my best cam, I ever have bought, better results than of all my digital single lens reflexes.

each picture perfectly preformed

spochana

Registered: January 2013Posts: 4

Fujifilm X-E1 review by spochana

Review Date: 1/18/2013

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $950.00| Rating: 9

Pros:

Light, solid built, DSLR image quality

Cons:

a little slower focusing speed than DSLR

A long waiting Pro-quality mirrorless camera for me. It is light and solid built. I can carry to everywhere I go without a big camera bag but it can deliver high quality photos similar to a DSLR (APC sensor not full frame). I only hope that Fujifilm will bring out a new model that can shoot as fast as DSLR.